Support for Cancer Early Detection and Screening in Congress

By: Cody Wolf is a cancer researcher and the state lead ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in Idaho. Visit us at www.fightcancer.org/idaho to get involved.

Approximately 3,200 Idahoans will die from cancer this year, while roughly 10,200 additional residents will receive the devastating diagnosis. Many of these cancer deaths and costs associated with later stage diagnoses could be prevented if more cancers were caught early. That’s why screening and early detection are key priorities for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Most of us are familiar with common screenings like colonoscopies, Pap tests and mammograms. Many cancers lack screening, and they are detected at later stages when treatments are limited, and people are less likely to survive.

But that could change, thanks to innovative new technology with the potential to detect more cancers earlier.

Several companies are developing blood tests to detect multiple cancers early. These multi-cancer early detection tests are designed to complement, not replace, existing early detection tests. Published data indicate some of them can screen for more than 50 cancers simultaneously, including some rare cancers.

Detecting cancer early can be the difference between life and death. A simple blood test may be more accessible and acceptable for patients, enhancing screening opportunities to traditionally underserved communities. Screening for multiple cancers at once could help detect them earlier when treatment is more likely to be successful.

As these tests are developed and marketed, it’s critical that insurance covers them so more people can benefit from this new technology. ACS CAN is working with federal lawmakers to create an evidence-based process for Medicare coverage following FDA approval.

Congress is considering the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act to create this pathway for Medicare coverage —and Senator Mike Crapo has championed this effort. This bill was recently reintroduced in the Senate with Senator Crapo as a lead bipartisan sponsor. It also has bipartisan support in the House of Representatives.

Americans age 65 and older are more than seven times more likely than younger Americans to be diagnosed with cancer. Medicare beneficiaries must have access to new, innovative screening. Currently, Medicare covers early detection tests for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers. This legislation would ensure that people on Medicare don’t experience unacceptable delays in accessing multi-cancer early detection screening blood tests following FDA approval.

Specifically, this legislation would create a pathway at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to determine coverage for these tests once they are FDA approved. Medicare would be able to consider coverage for multi-cancer technology in the future without needing additional legislation.

These tests could also reduce cancer disparities. Overall cancer rates have been declining for more than two decades, but racial, socioeconomic and geographic disparities persist. Cancer is the leading cause of death for Hispanics, Asian Americans and Native Americans, and survival rates for Black patients are lower than white patients for every cancer except pancreatic. Accessible early detection tools can help address these disparities, but there must be equitable access to these tests in underserved communities. Facilitating Medicare coverage is one way to ensure equitable access.

Senator Crapo has the gratitude of Idaho’s cancer patients and survivors for his leadership in supporting cancer early detection and screening. ACS CAN urges his fellow Members of Congress to follow suit and support this legislation.

###